1. The most important thing about buying a new
bike is to make sure it fits. The only way you'll know if the bike is right
for you is to size up the bike and make sure that the bike's geometry matches
your body's geometry. Ask questions and do some research.

2. If possible, try to find a shop that will
let you demo the bike on real dirt. Five minutes in a parking lot won't cut
it. You wouldn't buy a car without a real world test drive, and a bike should
be no different.

3. Don't belive the hype. Just because
your favorite rider or best friend rides a certain bike, that doesn't mean
that's the best one for you. Have an open mind and be realistic about your
needs and ability.

How to find a solid beginner mountain bike for a decent price

Hello everyone!

I am new to the sport of mountain biking. I have been going to local trails and riding for only a couple months with a few friends but I have fallen in love with the sport! I have been riding my dad's old bike for the time being. It is an old 19" Trek bike with 26" wheels and no suspension of any sort. I am looking into buying a new bike for myself that has suspension of some sort. I am currently leaning towards a hardtail. The only problem is I am a college kid and do not have enough money to drop $350+ on a new bike.

Can anyone give me any ideas on where to buy a solid beginner mountain bike that won't break my bank account?

I'm in pretty much your exact position, and so far have done pretty well for myself-
I did days and days of homework/fact checking, and then started watching Craigslist (for my city and the three closest cities) constantly. I checked the pages about once an hour.

I ended up finding a little Trek that's about 10 yrs old, but most likely spent 9+ years in the corner of someone's garage for about $150. I figured it's sturdy enough to tie my over until I can save up for a real bike. :]

I am new to the sport of mountain biking. I have been going to local trails and riding for only a couple months with a few friends but I have fallen in love with the sport! I have been riding my dad's old bike for the time being. It is an old 19" Trek bike with 26" wheels and no suspension of any sort. I am looking into buying a new bike for myself that has suspension of some sort. I am currently leaning towards a hardtail. The only problem is I am a college kid and do not have enough money to drop $350+ on a new bike.

Can anyone give me any ideas on where to buy a solid beginner mountain bike that won't break my bank account?

Thanks!

My first mtn bike was around $330 in 1991,, no sus at all just basic components. I'd guess it's like your dads bike. Finding something basic like that means few complications so you make sure the chain, gears and brakes work. That option means spending $45 to $80 (my guess) and you can add a new, used or rebuilt fork to it later. It becomes a hardtail and you learn to do some maint and repairs along the way. You barely spend anything and get a bike that lets you become a good to better rider as you get out there.

If you go used and front fork, you are guessing as to the condition of the fork or if it needs work, rebuilt or even worth the parts and effort.
Because it has suspension, the asking price may be a few hundred so you are in a different league financially and might not be much better off if you need to add work/$ to the fork.

My other bike is an 01 alum frame front sus. Bikes of that era are probably had for $100 - $200 depending on upgrades, newer parts and condition. If you stick with newer bikes, demand disc brakes that are good and want any suspension, you might have your work cut out for you. The rigid bike your dad has will let you become a good rider and any bike similar you get for yourself is not a waste for the tiny amount it'll cost you. The fancy bikes allow good riders to use their skills but their skills didn't come with the new bike.

That's my vote... go basic, simple and inexpensive but a solid brand like Raleigh, Trek, Giant or Splzd. Think of the next bike as the higher $ investment either used or new.
Today's $600 bikes are amazing values and will be used $200 bikes in the not too far off year/s
or $1500 will be $600 etc...

In the Middle Ages, the biggest mistake was not putting on your armor because you were 'just going down to the corner.'

Not sure how big your school is, but check to see if theres a "craiglist" for your college too. Also, figure out "how much bike" you need, then work from there. If the quality of bike you want is difficult to attin with your budget then save up a little more.

Re: How to find a solid beginner mountain bike for a decent price

Originally Posted by kstew

Hello everyone!

I am new to the sport of mountain biking. I have been going to local trails and riding for only a couple months with a few friends but I have fallen in love with the sport! I have been riding my dad's old bike for the time being. It is an old 19" Trek bike with 26" wheels and no suspension of any sort. I am looking into buying a new bike for myself that has suspension of some sort. I am currently leaning towards a hardtail. The only problem is I am a college kid and do not have enough money to drop $350+ on a new bike.

Can anyone give me any ideas on where to buy a solid beginner mountain bike that won't break my bank account?

Thanks!

For $350, don't bother. At least, if your Dad's old ride fits you okay.

Take your time, and do a good tuneup. See if your school has a bike co-op. They can be excellent resources.

If the bike sat for a long time, new brake pads can help. Tires have come a long way too.

I agree with riding what you have because you need to save more for something new that's decent.2013 Bobcat Trail 29
These 2013 Marin Bobcats on ebay can show you an example to compare against.
The most important component for trail riding is the fork when you use front suspension.
This bike has a good mid level air fork with 32mm stanchions for straight tracking.
Metal bushings inside. Adjustable rebound - no pogoing.
Weighs 4.3 vs 6.2 lbs. for a XCR,M,T or lower grade spring fork.
Has a sealed oil damper for no maintenance.2013 Marin Bobcat Trail 29er 19" MTB Hardtail Bike Shimano 9S Hydraulic Disc New | eBay
In a couple months or sooner the current bikes in shops will be on sale and you may find a similar deal.

How to find a solid beginner mountain bike for a decent price

I bought a bike about 6 months ago to see if I wanted to get serious about it. I'm a college student as well but I only had a <$100 budget. Wound up getting a 5 years old(ish) Schwinn Sidewinder. Had a front shock on it but it wasn't really anything to speak of. Saved up some dough and scored an awesome paying internship and just bought a Giant Trance X 29er about a month ago. My advice is find one within your budget, ride the LIVING HELL out of until the replacement parts cost more than the bike is worth. (After replacing both rims twice, I stopped investing in the Schwinn.) Then, after you get hopelessly addicted, and you will, save up some cash and buy something high quality. Search craigslist and wait for a good deal. They come, you just have to be patient. This was the ole sidewinder.

How to find a solid beginner mountain bike for a decent price

Agree the the above statement. Takes some patience but you can find some great deals on Craigslist. I almost got a Giant Revel 1 for $150 (which is a great entry level bike by the way). Just gotta keep looking. If you know of some areas that you'd be willing to drive to that have a good mountain bike community, look there too.